It just goes to show you should never count your chickens . . . and that is what makes the Premier League the most watched football league in the world.

Blackburn Rovers arrived at Old Trafford rock bottom and with their fickle fans calling for the head of manager Steve Kean.

Manchester United were odds on to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson’s 70th birthday with a win that would take them top at the turn of the year.

But Rovers’ enthralling 3-2 win leaves Manchester City in pole position on goal difference and the Blues now have the opportunity to go six points clear before United play again with games against Sunderland and Liverpool over the next 48 hours.

What makes the Premier League so exciting is its never ending ability to produce surprises – and you can bet there will be a lot more twists and turns before the title race is decided in May.

– BY JOHN GUBBA